According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, every service at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, will eventually transfer to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The transition, planned by 2032, will be the largest airport migration of its kind.
Griffiths explained that DXB will reach maximum capacity soon, crossing 100 million passengers within two years and an estimated 114 million by 2031. At that point, operations will begin moving to DWC, marking a historic milestone in global aviation. The full Al Maktoum megaproject, costing Dhs128 billion, aims to build the world’s largest airport, eventually capable of handling 260 million passengers annually by around 2057.
Dubai Airports is encouraging airlines to adopt a phased migration, taking slots at DWC when DXB reaches capacity.
What happens to DXB?
While operations gradually shift to Al Maktoum, DXB will continue functioning until the transition is complete. The airport may be repurposed for specific routes, regional flights, or as a complementary hub, but the long-term plan is for DWC to handle the bulk of passenger traffic once fully operational.
Speaking at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market, Paul Griffiths was asked about the future of Dubai International Airport once all operations shift to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Griffiths noted that, although the move is still some years away, it would make “little sense” to operate two airports of DXB and DWC’s size simultaneously given their close proximity.
In addition, Paul Griffiths highlighted that the facilities at Dubai International Airport would need significant renovation by the time operations shift to Al Maktoum International Airport, making it challenging to keep DXB operational without a substantial financial investment.
Griffiths explained: “The current plan is that once sufficient capacity has been established at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to allow a full transition, every service at Dubai International Airport (DXB) will be moved there. It makes little sense to operate two major airports just 70 kilometers apart.
“Additionally, by that time, every asset at DXB will be nearing the end of its operational life. Economically, keeping DXB open won’t be feasible without a massive investment.”
Although several Dubai developers are reportedly eager to redevelop the Dubai International Airport site, no official plans have been confirmed.
Griffiths noted that relocating airport operations to the Dubai South area could significantly influence traffic patterns across the city. He explained: “If you think about it, that’s where Dubai’s growth will be, since we’re already right up against the Sharjah border in the north.
“So it will help spread the city out and could even ease some of the traffic challenges we face today. That’s the future.”
